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Pitcher Mark Buehrle is the big surprise to date for the Blue Jays, what with his 10-1 record and 2.10 ERA in his opening 12 starts of the season.

He is one of two left-handers in the Jays rotation, the other being J.A. Happ, who has been in and out in his performances this season as he has gone 4-2 with a 4.10 ERA in nine appearances, six of them starts.

Buehrle is as unique as they come. He takes no time between pitches, does not attend the meetings where the pitchers, catchers and pitching coach (Pete Walker) go over the opposition, and throws an assortment of junk that tops out at 85 m.p.h.

Happ was asked Tuesday if there is anything at all that he can learn from watching Buehrle. Does anything translate to his stuff?

"What I can learn from him is go out there, pound the strike zone and work quick," Happ said. "But that's easier said than done. As far as stuff and attacking hitters, how to set guys up, no I really can't say there's a comparison.

"He has a unique way of pitching that I don't have."

ROSTER MOVES

He's back.

Yes, that player residing in the Blue Jays bullpen is right-hander Chad Jenkins, who was recalled to fill the open roster spot created when the Jays shipped starter Liam Hendriks back to triple-A Buffalo.

This is the fourth time this season that the much-travelled Jenkins has been called up to the big-league team.

In 13 appearances with Buffalo, including four starts, he has a 1-3 record with two saves and a 4.01 ERA.

He will be used in long relief as well as Todd Redmond.

"Fourth time's a charm," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons quipped.

INJURY UPDATES

RHP Sergio Santos is back making strides to return from the injury to his right forearm/elbow. He said he will throw bullpen sessions on Thursday and Sunday and then expects to head out on a rehab assignment with triple-A Buffalo.

CF Colby Rasmus, meanwhile, who is out with a right hamstring strain, is in Dunedin but nobody seems to know just when he will start on a rehab assignment with class-A Dunedin. When asked, Gibbons had no idea. "When I do (know), I'll let you know," Gibbons replied when asked. "He's progressing but not (no setback) what I've been told."

Back at Rogers Centre, Rasmus would be on the field early going half speed in running drills. He has been out since May 13.

SPLIT THEM UP

Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion usually sit back to back in the Jays lineup, Bautista hitting third and Encarnacion in the cleanup spot.

On occasion, though, Gibbons has split them up and employed somebody else -- usually Adam Lind -- as the cleanup hitter, followed by Encarnacion.

In last night's lineup, Bautista was third, Encarnacion fourth and Lind fifth.

"We bounced it back and forth a couple of times and tonight I'm looking at Eddie and (Tigers starting pitcher Anibal) Sanchez has been tough on (Juan) Francisco (0-for-3, all strikeouts) so we'll space him out a little bit," Gibbons said. "That's basically it. The other day against (Royals pitcher Jeremy) Guthrie, Francisco had three home runs off him in six at-bats. I just look at the pitcher we're facing and this guy can maybe give him trouble. If that's the case we protect Eddie with Lindy there instead."

Mark Buehrle's map is odd to Blue Jays teammate J.A. Happ

Pitcher Mark Buehrle is the big surprise to date for the Blue Jays, what with his 10-1 record and 2.10 ERA in his opening 12 starts of the season.

He is one of two left-handers in the Jays rotation, the other being J.A. Happ, who has been in and out in his performances this season as he has gone 4-2 with a 4.10 ERA in nine appearances, six of them starts.